Val Kilmer Claims He Didn’t Want To Be In The Original ‘Top Gun’ But Begged To Be In Upcoming Sequel

Published On April 21, 2020 » 61 Views» By Z-rowe »

The 1986 action flick ‘Top Gun‘ is a legit classic. The movie still holds up today. Tom Cruise stars in the movie as Maverick, and Val Kilmer landed the supporting ‘Iceman’ role.

The chemistry (tension/rivalry ) between them was outstanding. It’s one of the better parts of the film.

But believe it or not, Kilmer didn’t even want the part. In his new memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, the now 60-year-old actor claims his agent begged him to audition.

I didn’t want the part. I didn’t care about the film. The story didn’t interest me. I read the lines indifferently and yet, amazingly, I was told I had the part. I felt more deflated than inflated. I had to get out of there.

Obviously it turned out to be a great decision. Hopefully he treated his agent to a nice dinner.

As you all know, a sequel to the film (Top Gun: Maverick) is scheduled to hit theaters this Christmas, and yes…Kilmer will be in it.

But only because he begged!

As the Temptations sang, ‘Ain’t too proud to beg.’ I’d not only contact the producers but create heartrending scenes with Iceman. Forget the fact that 30 years had passed … I remembered it like it was yesterday.

The producers went for it. Cruise went for it. Cruise couldn’t have been cooler. And the next thing I knew I was back. Tom and I took up where we left off. As far as the film’s plot goes, I’m sworn to secrecy.

In his memoir, he also talked about Cruise’s insane work ethic.

From day one he was laser-focused on a singular goal: to become the greatest action hero in the history of film. He was up nights learning lines, he spent every waking hour perfecting his stunts. His dedication was admirable.